by Justin Standfield
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall wellbeing, yet it’s an area that has historically been overlooked, particularly when it comes to men. Societal norms and expectations often discourage men from openly discussing their emotional and psychological struggles, leading to a culture of silence that can have devastating consequences. I’ve noticed over the years that this dynamic can be even more pronounced in the workplace. Many organisations, especially those in traditional and conservative sectors, have yet to fully embrace the importance of supporting their male employees’ mental health. This needs to change.
Before I look at how we can tackle this, I’d like to share my own understanding of the unique challenges faced by many of us men. Naturally, it’s worth pointing out that there are blockers for everyone when it comes to working on psychological wellbeing – yet as November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, this blog post will specifically focus on the factors that contribute to the obstacles that men face when it comes to addressing our mental health.
Societal expectations: Men are often expected to be strong, stoic and self-reliant. Expressing vulnerability or seeking help can be perceived as a sign of weakness, making it difficult for men to open up about their struggles.
Stigma and stereotypes: The stigma surrounding mental health issues, combined with stereotypes about masculinity, can make it hard for men to acknowledge and seek support for their mental health concerns.
Reluctance to seek help: Countless pieces of research have shown that men are less likely to seek professional help for mental health issues, either due to a perceived lack of need or a fear of being judged or misunderstood.
Workplace culture: I’ve worked for at least one employer where the dominant organisational (and team) culture of toughness and competition discouraged men from discussing their mental health challenges, for fear of being seen as less capable or less committed to their work.
All of this begs the question: what can we do to create a more supportive working environment where conversations about mental health can take place when they need to, without fear of judgement?
I talk about this very topic on some of the Incendo workshops I run in organisations and it produces some valuable discussions and ideas in the groups I facilitate. However, at times I notice that there’s more that could be done to ‘lead from the front’ in this regard. As leaders and managers, we have a responsibility to foster a work environment that is conducive to open and honest conversations about mental health. Here are some practical tips to help make this a reality.
Educate and raise awareness
- Of course I would say this! Companies need to provide training and resources to help employees, especially managers, understand the unique challenges faced by men when it comes to mental health.
- Organise workshops or guest speaker events that address the importance of mental health and the specific needs of male employees.
- Ensure that mental health information and support services are readily available and accessible to all employees.
Encourage open communication
- Lead by example and openly discuss your own experiences with mental health, if appropriate (no, not a weekly PowerPoint on your journey with anxiety, instead just an ad hoc informal mention when the timing seems right for your team). This can help normalise the conversation and encourage others to follow suit.
- Create a culture where employees feel safe and supported in sharing their struggles, without fear of judgement or stigma.
- Regularly check in with your team members and create opportunities within the regular sequence of 1:1 conversations for them to mention their wellbeing.
Implement supportive policies and practices
- Offer flexible work arrangements, such as the ability to work from home or adjust schedules, to help employees better manage their mental health.
- Provide access to confidential counselling services or an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that can offer professional support.
- Ensure that any time off or leave policies related to mental health are clear, accessible and free of stigma.
Foster a culture of empathy and understanding
- Encourage empathy and understanding among your team members, emphasising the importance of supporting one another through challenging times. A lot of managers became skilled at this during 2020/2021 with COVID, but I wonder whether this habit has ‘stuck’?
- Celebrate small victories and acknowledge the efforts of employees who are taking steps to prioritise their mental health.
- Promote a work environment that values work-life balance and overall wellbeing, not just productivity, performance and “who’s got the biggest To-Do list?”.
By taking these steps, you can help create a workplace where men feel empowered to have open and honest conversations about their mental health, without fear of judgement or repercussions. This, in turn, can lead to improved wellbeing, increased job satisfaction and stronger, more resilient teams.
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